Browse the works of local and nationally renowned artists at the annual Manayunk Arts Festival, June 22-23. (Photos courtesy Manayunk Development Corporation)

The annual Manayunk Arts Fest, the largest outdoor art festival of its type in the area, returns to Main Street this weekend with some of the most innovative pieces of art ever to be seen at the annual fest.

On Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, Manayunk welcomes more than 300 artists for a weekend full of glass and ceramic items, paintings, woodwork, jewelry, handmade home decorations, art-themed Main Street eateries and businesses, food truck bites and much, much more.

Read on for our guide to the art-filled festivities.

Schedule and Layout

All day long on both Saturday, June 22 (11 a.m to 7 p.m.) and Sunday, June 23 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), the Manayunk Arts Festival takes over the main strip of Main Street, from Green Lane to Shurs Lane.

The area will be closed to vehicular traffic to allow for optimal foot traffic.

Art Vendors

This year, 295 artists from all over the country (and Canada!) sell their handmade items in individual tents. Items for sale include prints, photographs, jewelry, clothing, ceramic items and paintings. For those looking for something a little more quirky, jewelry made from preserved fruit and accessories made from Barbie doll shoes will make a grand appearance.

For the second year, 25 artists make up the emerging artist tent, which features work by up-and-coming local artists. The tent is located at the corner of Main Street and Roxborough Avenue.

Main Street Restaurants and Shops

Main Street’s great shops and restaurants are opening their doors to festival dwellers. Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes celebrates the festival with a “Picasso Plain Jane” cupcake, and Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar sets up its well loved crab shack outside of the restaurant. Couch Tomato, Kildare’s, Caputo’s Pizza, Chabaa Thai, Chloe’s Corner and Yanako (among other spots) will also span outside of their establishment. Main Street’s businesses have all been encouraged to have art-themed window displays, so keep your eyes peeled.

How To Get There

Art Fest attendees are strongly encouraged to take public transportation. Manayunk is easily accessible by train. SEPTA’s Manayunk/Norristown Line drops guests off mere blocks from the hub of the festival, and buses 35 and 61 leave guests steps from the vendors. Shuttle buses will leave from two different locations; from 555 City Avenue (which will also make a stop at Shurs Lane below Ridge Avenue) and the Ivy Ridge Train Station (which will also make a stop at Parker Avenue and Silverwood Street). Both shuttles leave guests in the thick of the Art Fest merriment. Shuttle rides are $3 for adults, and free for children.

Guests are also encouraged to don their bike helmets and bicycle to the festival. Use the Schuylkill River Trail or Kelly Drive for an easy bike route. Visit the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia’s website to plan your trip.